Texas ran the wishbone for Darrell Royal on the first play vs. Iowa State, a nod to the former Longhorns coach who died this week. Royal found considerable success running that offense, winning two national championships, so the gesture was more than appropriate. But not even the Cyclones saw what was coming next.

The Longhorns had announced their wishbone plan after Royal's death earlier this week, so you'd think that the Longhorns would hand it off, kick up 3 yards and a cloud of dust, and point to the sky. Instead, what we got was a cool—and successful—trick play.

Starting their opening drive at their own 6-yard line, the Longhorns handed the ball off to Jaxon Shipley, who ran right, but then passed the ball back to QB David Ash in the end zone, where Ash delivered a 42-yard strike to tight end Greg Daniels.

Well, Royal was fond of saying that three things can happen when you pass, and two of them were bad. But when that one thing works out, you get goosebumps. And you honor a legend at the same time.

Flags flew at half-staff at the stadium that bears Royal's name and white "DKR" initials were painted inside the burnt-orange Longhorn logo at midfield. Texas players also wore a similar helmet logo, which will remain part of the uniform the rest of the season.

A wreath was placed at the feet of a Royal statue inside the stadium where dozens of fans lined up to take photographs and flashed the "Hook'em Horns" hand signal. Royal's widow Edith attended the game.